Skip to Content

Family Laundry Tips For The Busy Mom

Doing family laundry for a household of five can sometimes be a challenge – especially considering we always seem to be so busy these days. Young kids will do that to you, right? And thank goodness for that! I love all their sports games and their chess games and their dance practices.

Their schedule brings me such joy. Whenever I see our children going after their dreams, it just fills me whole! But life isn’t all about race meets and tutus. There’s plenty of maintenance that has to happen in order to keep this fine-tuned machine rolling.

family laundry

Family Laundry Tips For The Busy Mom 

Here are 10 family laundry tips that can be particularly helpful for busy moms:

  1. Sort as You Go: Have separate laundry baskets for whites, darks, and colors to make sorting easier. This can save time when it’s time to wash.
  2. Pre-Treat Stains Immediately: Keep a stain remover handy and treat stains as soon as they happen. This will increase the chances of the stain coming out in the wash.
  3. Use Mesh Bags for Small Items: Place small items like socks and underwear in mesh laundry bags. This keeps them together and prevents them from getting lost.
  4. Delegate Laundry Tasks: If your children are old enough, involve them in the laundry process. Assign simple tasks like folding or putting away clothes.
  5. Wash Full Loads: Maximize your laundry efficiency by washing full loads. This saves water, energy, and time.
  6. Quick Dry Sheets and Towels: To speed up drying time, throw a clean, dry towel into the dryer with your wet sheets or towels. The towel will absorb moisture and reduce drying time.
  7. Invest in a Good Laundry Detergent: A high-quality detergent can make a difference in how clean your clothes get, which can be especially important for busy families.
  8. Create a Laundry Schedule: Instead of waiting for the basket to overflow, set specific days for doing laundry. This can help in managing laundry loads better.
  9. Fold Clothes Immediately: Try to fold clothes as soon as the dryer cycle is done. This not only reduces wrinkles but also helps in keeping the laundry process streamlined.
  10. Use Laundry Time Wisely: While waiting for the washer or dryer, use that time to accomplish other small tasks, like organizing, cleaning, or prepping meals. This helps in maximizing your time effectively.

These tips can help in managing laundry more efficiently, saving time and effort for busy moms.

About Tide PODS Ultra OXI Laundry Detergent:

You probably know about Tide PODS. But did you know they’re not just liquid detergent in a pac? The new improved Tide PODS have a 4-in-1 breakthrough laundry solution with concentrated Tide detergent, extra odor fighters, extra stain fighters, and built-in pre-treaters, giving you more bang for your buck.

They work in both HE and standard washing machines and they are SO EASY to use. And now, they have a new Clean Dissolve film that dissolves more completely in both hot and cold water.

  • 4-in-1 technology: concentrated detergent, odor fighters, stain fighters, built-in pre-treaters
  • Dissolves in both hot & cold water
  • Helps tackle tough, set-in odors

Husband Helping Out With The Laundry In A Busy Family

Understanding Fabric Care

Here’s a brief overview of different types of fabrics and their care:

  1. Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber known for its breathability and durability. It’s commonly used in everyday clothing, towels, and sheets. Cotton can usually be machine washed and dried, but it may shrink if washed with hot water or placed in a hot dryer. Pre-shrinking or washing in cold water is often recommended.
  2. Linen: Linen, made from the flax plant, is lightweight and has a natural luster. It’s known for its coolness in hot weather. Linen can wrinkle easily and is best washed in lukewarm or cold water and air-dried. Ironing is often necessary to maintain its crisp appearance.
  3. Wool: Wool is a natural fiber that is excellent for keeping warm. It’s commonly used in sweaters, coats, and blankets. Wool should be washed carefully to avoid shrinking and felting – hand washing in cold water or using a wool-specific detergent in a gentle machine cycle is best. Wool should be laid flat to air dry.
  4. Silk: Silk is a delicate, luxurious fabric with a shimmering appearance. It requires gentle care – hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent is recommended. Silk should be air-dried and ironed on a low setting. Some silk items may require dry cleaning.
  5. Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is durable and often wrinkle-resistant. It’s used in a variety of clothing and household items. Polyester can typically be machine washed and dried, but it’s best to use low heat to prevent melting or damage to the fabric.
  6. Nylon: Nylon is a strong, durable synthetic fabric often used in activewear and swimwear. It’s best washed in cold water and air-dried, as high temperatures can cause shrinking and damage.
  7. Rayon: Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber that is soft and comfortable, often used in dresses and blouses. It can shrink or lose shape when washed, so hand washing or dry cleaning is often recommended. If machine washing is necessary, use a gentle cycle and air dry.
  8. Denim: Denim, typically made from cotton, is durable and used mainly for jeans and jackets. It can be machine washed, but may shrink and fade over time. Washing inside out in cold water and air drying is often recommended to preserve color and fit.

Each fabric type may have specific care instructions based on its weave, finish, and dye. Always check the care labels on garments for the best cleaning methods.

Tips For Laundry Sorting

Laundry sorting is a crucial step in the washing process, helping to protect your clothes and ensure they are cleaned effectively. Here are some essential tips for laundry sorting:

  1. Sort by Color:
    • Separate whites, lights, and darks. This prevents color transfer, where darker colors can bleed onto lighter ones.
    • Consider having a separate load for very bright or neon colors, as they can sometimes bleed more than other colors.
  2. Sort by Fabric Type:
    • Keep heavier items like towels and jeans separate from lighter fabrics like blouses and shirts. This is because heavier items can cause friction and damage lighter fabrics.
    • Delicate fabrics (like silk or lace) should be washed separately or in a mesh bag to protect them from damage.
  3. Sort by Soil Level:
    • Heavily soiled clothes (like workout gear or work uniforms) should be washed separately from lightly soiled items. This prevents dirt and odor from transferring and ensures a more thorough clean for heavily soiled items.
  1. Check Care Labels:
    • Always read the care labels on your garments. Some items might need special care, like cold water wash only or lay flat to dry. Sorting these items separately ensures they receive the right care.
  2. Pre-Treat Stains:
    • Before sorting, check for stains. Pre-treat any stains before washing. This step is crucial for heavily soiled garments and helps in better stain removal.
  3. Use Mesh Bags for Small Items:
    • Place small items like socks, lingerie, or delicate garments in mesh laundry bags. This keeps them from getting lost and provides extra protection during the wash cycle.
  4. Consider Allergies or Sensitive Skin:
    • If someone in your household has sensitive skin or allergies, you might want to wash their clothes separately with a hypoallergenic detergent.

By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your clothes, improve cleaning effectiveness, and make your laundry process more efficient.

Get Kids Involved With The family Laundry

A guide to treating common stains

Here’s a guide to treating common stains effectively:

1. Grass Stains

  • Pre-treatment: Rub the stain with liquid detergent or a paste of powder detergent and water.
  • Wash: Use the hottest water safe for the fabric, and add bleach suitable for the fabric type.

2. Oil or Grease (including Butter, Salad Dressing)

  • Pre-treatment: Apply liquid dish soap or laundry detergent directly to the stain.
  • Wash: Use the warmest water safe for the fabric. Repeat treatment if necessary before drying.

3. Blood Stains

  • Fresh Stains: Rinse with cold water as soon as possible.
  • Dried Stains: Soak in warm water with a stain remover or detergent.
  • Wash: Use cold water as hot water can set blood stains.

4. Ink Stains

  • Ballpoint Ink: Dab with rubbing alcohol before washing.
  • Fountain Pen Ink or Marker: Apply a stain remover or a mix of vinegar and cornstarch.
  • Wash: Use the hottest water safe for the fabric.

5. Coffee or Tea Stains

  • Pre-treatment: Rinse with cold water, then apply a stain remover or liquid detergent.
  • Wash: Use the hottest water safe for the fabric. Add bleach if necessary and fabric-safe.

6. Red Wine Stains

  • Immediate Action: Blot with a clean cloth and pour boiling water over the stain from a height.
  • Wash: Use a stain remover or a mix of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap if the fabric allows.

7. Chocolate Stains

  • Pre-treatment: Scrape off excess. Apply stain remover or a mix of detergent and water.
  • Wash: Use the warmest water safe for the fabric.

8. Sweat or Deodorant Stains

  • Pre-treatment: Apply a mixture of baking soda and water, or white vinegar.
  • Wash: Use warm water and add oxygen bleach if fabric-safe.

9. Tomato-Based Stains

  • Pre-treatment: Remove excess, rinse with cold water, then apply liquid detergent.
  • Wash: Use hot water and bleach that’s safe for the fabric.

How To Get The Children To Start Doing Laundry

Keep Tide PODS out of reach of children.

(1) When They Are Young (around 2-3) – The children can help sort for socks once the family laundry is done and the clothes are clean. Odds are at this stage, they won’t be helping much… but the point is to really get them used to participate.

At this young age, children should not be anywhere near laundry detergent or supplies. Keep these type of products out of reach, high, and away from curious hands at all times.

(2) When They Are Pre-Schoolers – The children can separate their clothes into piles once the laundry is done. You can decide whether or not you want them to actually put the clothes away in their drawers. It won’t be neat, but it will be done.

(3) When They Are Elementary Aged – From about the 2nd grade on, your children should be able to sort, fold, and put away their clothing all on their own. This includes hanging up items in their closet.

As soon as the laundry is done, they should be able to take the basket to their room and put all their clothes away. It is possible. I promise you. You have to allow them to do it with mistakes a few times before they will get it right.

(4) When They Are In Middle School – At this point, your child should be helping out with all younger sibling laundry. So, if there is anything that needs to be put away for baby brother, older brother gets the job.

(5) When They Are Young Teens – When your child is a teen, he/she should help with laundry from start to finish. They should be able to recognize that their hamper is full and that it’s time to do a load.

They should be able to follow measurement instructions and move the wet clothes from the washer over to the dryer once the bell rings. Because we want to make our kids’ lives easier, we turn to Tide PODS. If it is a regular load, they only need to use one pod.

If it an oversized load, the children know they need to put two or three Tide PODS into our washer. The instructions are simple enough. My teenager actually enjoys doing laundry with Tide PODS and I don’t blame her. There’s no fuss and no mess!

Have more questions about Tide PODS? In case you do, I’ve included some frequently asked questions I hear from friends:

How Many Tide Pods Should I Use?

Tips to Efficiently Use Your Washer and Dryer

Efficient use of your washer and dryer not only saves time and energy but also extends the life of your appliances and clothes. Here are some tips to use your washer and dryer more efficiently:

Washer Efficiency Tips

  1. Select the Right Load Size:
    • Choose the appropriate load size setting for the amount of laundry. Overloading can lead to poor washing and can strain the washer, while underloading wastes water and energy.
  2. Use High-Efficiency Detergent for HE Machines:
    • If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washer, use HE detergent. It’s formulated to produce fewer suds and works more effectively in low-water conditions.
  3. Wash with Cold Water:
    • Opt for cold water washes when possible. This saves energy by reducing the need to heat water, and is also gentler on fabrics.
  4. Pre-treat Stains:
    • Pre-treating stains can reduce the need for rewashing. This saves water, energy, and time.
  5. Optimize Spin Speeds:
    • If your washer has variable spin speeds, use a higher spin speed for towels and heavy items to extract more water, reducing drying time.
  6. Clean the Washer Regularly:
    • Regularly clean your washer to ensure it operates efficiently. This includes wiping down the drum, gaskets, and dispensers and running a cleaning cycle if available.

Dryer Efficiency Tips

  1. Don’t Overload the Dryer:
    • Overloading the dryer can extend drying times and increase energy use. Clothes need room to tumble freely for efficient drying.
  2. Use Sensor Drying:
    • Many dryers have moisture sensors that automatically shut off the machine when clothes are dry. This prevents over-drying, which can damage clothes and waste energy.
  3. Clean the Lint Filter:
    • Clean the lint filter before every load. A clogged filter restricts airflow and can significantly increase drying time and energy use.
  4. Utilize the Spin Cycle:
    • Use the highest spin cycle on your washer that’s safe for your laundry load. Removing more water in the washer means less work for the dryer.
  5. Dry Similar Items Together:
    • Drying similar types of fabrics together (e.g., towels with towels, light garments with other light garments) is more efficient as it ensures a more uniform drying time.
  6. Use Dryer Balls:
    • Wool or rubber dryer balls can help separate clothes and allow hot air to circulate more effectively, reducing drying time.
  7. Regular Maintenance:
    • Regularly inspect and clean the external dryer vent. A blocked vent can increase drying times and poses a fire risk.
  8. Air-Dry When Possible:
    • Air drying clothes on a line or drying rack is the most energy-efficient drying method and is gentle on fabrics.

By implementing these tips, you can improve the efficiency of your laundry process, save energy, reduce wear and tear on your clothes, and prolong the life of your washer and dryer.

Related:

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.